Adapting Shakespeare´s Othello to Present Time

It’s nearly impossible for the culture that was common in the 1600’s to be the same as it is now in 2014. We all know that the world has changed and adapted since the 1600’s. Isn’t it obvious? The Tragedy of Othello, a play by William Shakespeare, was written in the early 1600’s. If it were written in 21st century America, the issue of apparent racism would change due to cultural adaptations and history that America has gone through.

The U.S. has seen about two hundred years of slavery and an even longer period of firm racism. Racism isn’t non-existent in 2014 America, but it’s not as prominent as it was in the past. For the majority of Americans being racist is more of a joke than it is sincere. Many racist comments are made as a joke towards someone’s friends or family. There are stereotypes and jokes specific to every race in America and the people that come up with them aren’t trying to offend anyone, it’s all made to make someone laugh. In Othello the fact that Othello was black was more condescending than it was a joke. Throughout the play Othello is referred to by many condescending names. He was acknowledged by every character as the “Moor”. In 2014 instead of being called a Moor, Othello might be classified as “black” or “a negro”. In the first act Iago even called him, “...an old black ram…” (95). In this regard the play would differ because of the time it is written. When Iago says, “...an old black ram Is topping your white ewe. Arise, arise; Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you: Arise I say.”, in an attempt to cause a commotion, not many people would care. He would have to find some other way to get the attention of Brabantio. In 2014 America, biracial marriage is w...

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...of the American people today.

As time advances 400 years and scenery shifts 5000 miles west, a story is bound to change. Othello was written in the 1600’s and takes place in Venice, Italy. The new version would be written in 2014 and would take place in an American society. With that being said, there are clear differences that would come out of the two versions. In the past race was a tremendous issue in the American society. In 2014 it has developed to a point where people use racism as more of a joke than they use it to be serious. In 2014 authors writing new plays take a bold initiative to incorporate as many people of different races, ethnicities and minorities. It’s not unacceptable and it’s more common in this society because of the cultural adaptations and the history behind it.

Works Cited

The tragedy of Othello, moor of Venice by: William shakespeare